Donald Trump’s first day in office as the 47th President of the United States marked the beginning of a highly anticipated and controversial administration. With his signature, Trump implemented a series of executive orders that reflect his vision for the nation, all while making bold statements about overturning the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden. Within hours of his swearing-in, Trump made it clear that he would take a combative stance toward the political establishment, initiating measures that would reshape the trajectory of the U.S. government and its international relationships. These actions were underscored by his signature approach of using executive powers to push forward his political agenda.
The first round of executive orders, signed in front of a cheering crowd at the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., served to demonstrate Trump's commitment to fulfilling many of his campaign promises. The president, standing alongside supporters who eagerly cheered as he signed each document, made it evident that he was prepared to follow through on his populist policies. Among the most notable of these actions was the revocation of nearly 80 executive orders issued by the Biden administration. Trump characterized Biden’s actions as “destructive and radical,” reaffirming his commitment to undoing what he viewed as the damage caused by the previous administration.
Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time was one of the most controversial of these initial actions. This move emphasized his long-standing skepticism about international climate accords, which he has repeatedly criticized for imposing economic burdens on the U.S. while allowing other nations, particularly China, to evade significant climate commitments. By reaffirming his withdrawal from the agreement, Trump sent a message to his supporters that he would prioritize American economic interests over global environmental concerns, a stance that has consistently defined his approach to international policy.
Another pivotal action was the signing of an executive order to freeze all federal hiring, except in critical areas such as the military and certain essential sectors. This move, part of his broader agenda to streamline government operations, aimed to reduce the size of the federal workforce. It reflected Trump’s focus on limiting government intervention and ensuring that public sector jobs are essential and directly serve the interests of the American people. Additionally, Trump’s mandate for federal workers to return to full-time in-person work served as a direct response to the ongoing pandemic-era remote work policies, marking a clear shift back to pre-pandemic work norms for federal employees.
In an effort to address the economic concerns of many Americans, Trump signed an executive order directing all federal departments and agencies to focus on tackling the rising cost of living, which had become an increasingly pressing issue under the Biden administration. This order underscored his administration's commitment to addressing the financial pressures faced by families and individuals across the country, though the specifics of how this would be implemented remain to be seen.
One of Trump’s more widely discussed orders was the directive that effectively froze all new regulatory actions by bureaucrats until the new administration had time to exert full control over the government. This regulatory freeze allowed Trump to slow down the implementation of numerous policies set by the previous administration, including those related to environmental regulations, healthcare, and labor protections. It was a clear demonstration of his commitment to reasserting executive authority and consolidating control over government operations, particularly in areas he viewed as over-regulated under Biden’s administration.
Another significant order focused on protecting freedom of speech, which Trump framed as a direct response to allegations of censorship and bias against conservative voices on social media and within mainstream media outlets. This executive action aimed to prevent government entities from suppressing free speech, echoing Trump’s long-standing rhetoric about media bias and perceived political correctness. The move sparked debate over the balance between protecting speech and preventing misinformation, especially in the digital age.
Perhaps the most contentious of Trump's first-day actions came in the form of pardoning those involved in the January 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riots. The decision to pardon nearly all 1,270 people convicted in connection with the attack, including the release of individuals facing the most serious sedition charges, drew immediate backlash from political opponents. Trump defended this action by referring to those convicted as “hostages” of the political system, asserting that the rioters were being unfairly punished for their actions. His decision to pardon these individuals sent a clear message to his base, signaling his continued support for the rioters and their cause, despite widespread condemnation of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Trump also moved quickly to address the TikTok issue, an ongoing point of contention during his first term. He signed an executive order delaying the planned ban on the popular video-sharing app by 75 days. This action granted his administration more time to assess the situation and determine the best course of action, potentially including the sale of the app or its shutdown. Trump’s stance on TikTok, which has been accused of posing a national security threat due to its ties to China, remained one of the most divisive issues of his presidency.
Another pivotal move came with Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization’s mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and its failure to implement necessary reforms. This marked the second time he had ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the global health body, a stance he first took in 2020 during the early months of the pandemic. Trump’s criticism of the WHO and its handling of the crisis reflected his broader skepticism about international organizations and his desire to prioritize American interests in global health matters.
On the domestic front, Trump continued his hardline approach to immigration, declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and directing additional Pentagon resources to reinforce border security. His order also designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, signaling a tougher stance on illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trump’s efforts to combat illegal immigration were a cornerstone of his political platform and remained a central theme of his presidency.
As part of his broader foreign policy agenda, Trump also reinstated Cuba on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that will have far-reaching implications for U.S.-Cuba relations. He also pushed for investigations into the alleged censorship and "weaponization" of law enforcement agencies, suggesting that the previous administration had abused its power for political purposes.
Trump’s actions on his first day in office underscore his resolve to reshape U.S. policies across the board. From controversial pardons to aggressive stances on climate change and immigration, his executive orders signal a stark break from Biden’s approach and set the stage for a tumultuous four years ahead. As the new president moves forward with these and future executive orders, the implications for U.S. domestic and foreign policy will unfold, shaping the legacy of his administration and its impact on American society for years to come.
